Watch: Tiger-Cats' Manziel looks to be on track in CFL preseason debut
While it was only a brief appearance in a CFL preseason game, Johnny Manziel showed flashes of Johnny Football - his former first-round-pick self - in his debut with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Manziel had to wait until late in the opening half to make his first appearance of the game, subbing out starter Jeremiah Masoli with under four minutes remaining, and the Toronto Argonauts holding a 13-6 lead.
Here he comes! Johnny Manziel is entering the game for the @Ticats! pic.twitter.com/FUkJAsyngn
- TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 2, 2018
Manziel got right to work, completing his first pass attempt to wide receiver Jalen Saunders for a 10-yard gain.
Johnny Manziel off to a good start in a @Ticats uniform. pic.twitter.com/wiWE8lzHO6
- TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 2, 2018
He'd complete two more passes for 11 and 7 yards before taking his first CFL sack for a loss of 4 yards and a turnover on downs.
Manziel's most noteworthy play came midway through the third quarter when he scrambled to the outside and found receiver Damarr Aultman for 21 yards.
Vintage Manziel on this play. #CFLGameDay pic.twitter.com/wjt1kvSNbv
- TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 2, 2018
Manziel was removed from the game shortly after, finishing with nine completions for 80 yards on 11 attempts. He didn't throw a touchdown but also took care of the football by avoiding an interception. One impressive play was the recovery of a botched snap, with Manziel quickly hitting a wide-open receiver on the outside, who dropped it.
He showed his once-elite athleticism still lingers after more than two years out of the NFL, scrambling out of the pocket to keep plays alive and rushing for 10 yards on two attempts.
The Argonauts went on to win 36-18. Manziel will likely suit up next on June 9 when the Tiger-Cats visit the Montreal Alouettes in Week 3 of the preseason. The team's first regular-season game will be June 16, but it's believed Manziel will continue to serve as the backup to Masoli.
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